Topping Off Your Buffet: What to Place on Top of a Buffet Cabinet

When it comes to decorating and organizing your home, the buffet cabinet can often be a challenging piece of furniture to style. Its height and often expansive surface area can make it feel daunting to dress. However, with the right approach, your buffet cabinet can become a stunning focal point in your room, showcasing your personality and adding a touch of elegance. So, let's explore what you can put on top of a buffet cabinet to create a harmonious and visually appealing display.

Firstly, consider the overall aesthetic of your room. The items you choose to display should complement the existing color scheme, style, and theme of your space. This will help create a cohesive look and prevent your buffet cabinet from appearing as an isolated piece of furniture.

Functional and Aesthetic Pieces

When deciding what to put on top of a buffet cabinet, it's essential to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. After all, you want your display to look beautiful, but it should also serve a purpose and enhance your daily life.

Start by considering the items you use frequently. For instance, if you enjoy entertaining, you might want to keep your best glassware or serving dishes within easy reach. Similarly, if you're an avid reader, you might want to display your favorite books or a stylish table lamp for late-night reading.

Decorative Trays and Bowls

Decorative trays and bowls can help corral small items, preventing them from looking cluttered. They also add a touch of elegance and can be used to group similar items together, such as keys, coins, or remote controls. Opt for trays and bowls in materials that complement your cabinet, such as wood, glass, or metal.

For example, a wooden tray can add warmth to a rustic-style buffet cabinet, while a glass bowl can provide a sleek contrast to a modern, minimalist design. You can also use trays and bowls to add a pop of color to your display, choosing pieces in vibrant hues that complement your room's color scheme.

Artwork and Photographs

Artwork and photographs are excellent ways to personalize your buffet cabinet and add a touch of warmth to your space. Consider displaying a collection of family photos, a piece of art that complements your room's color scheme, or a mix of both. You can lean artwork against the wall or hang it using removable adhesive strips to avoid damaging your walls.

For photographs, use frames that match or complement your cabinet's style. You can also create a gallery wall above your buffet cabinet, grouping together frames of various sizes and shapes for a dynamic, eclectic look. Don't forget to include a mix of vertical and horizontal frames to create visual interest.

Layered Height and Texture

To create a visually appealing display, it's essential to vary the height and texture of the items you choose to showcase. This will add depth and dimension to your buffet cabinet top, making it more engaging and inviting.

Start by placing taller items, such as vases or lamps, at the back of your cabinet. Then, layer smaller items in front, creating a sense of depth. You can also use books, boxes, or decorative objects to create height and add visual interest to your display.

Vases and Flowers

Vases and flowers are a classic way to add height and a touch of nature to your buffet cabinet. Choose vases in materials that complement your cabinet, such as glass, ceramic, or metal. You can also mix and match different shapes and sizes for a more eclectic look.

Fresh flowers will bring life and color to your display, while dried flowers or artificial arrangements can provide a low-maintenance alternative. Alternatively, you can fill your vases with greenery, such as branches or leaves, for a more modern, minimalist look.

Candles and Lighting

Candles and lighting can help create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your room and add height and texture to your buffet cabinet display. Place candles or lanterns on decorative trays or stands to elevate them and prevent them from tipping over.

For a more permanent lighting solution, consider using table lamps or plug-in wall sconces. These can provide ambient lighting and help create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your space. When choosing lighting fixtures, opt for designs that complement your cabinet's style and color scheme.

Personal Touches and Collections

Finally, don't be afraid to incorporate personal touches and collections into your buffet cabinet display. These items will not only add visual interest but also tell a story about your interests and experiences.

For example, if you're a avid traveler, you might want to display a collection of souvenirs or photographs from your adventures. If you're a bookworm, you could showcase your favorite books or a vintage bookend that holds sentimental value. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and let your personality shine through in your display.

In the end, the key to creating a stunning buffet cabinet display is to experiment and have fun. Don't be afraid to mix and match different items, textures, and heights until you find a combination that feels right. And remember, your display should reflect your personal style and bring you joy every time you look at it. So, go ahead and create a buffet cabinet top that's uniquely you.